16-07-2025
Relief for 10 Sipitang villages: Settlements excised from Forest Reserve
Published on: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Published on: Wed, Jul 16, 2025 Text Size: SIPITANG: A total of 15,000 hectares containing 10 villages have been excised from a Forest Reserve, following passing of the Forest Enactment (Establishment of Forest Reserves and Amendment) 2025 during the recent State Legislative Assembly sitting. Sindumin Assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob said the move was in line with requests made by locals to the State Government to exclude areas already developed for settlements and agriculture from the Forest Reserve.
Advertisement 'The land removed from the Forest Reserve includes areas formerly under Sabah Forest Industries (SFI) stretching to Kemabong, Tenom covering 15,000 hectares or about 40,000 acres. 'There are still a few villages awaiting approval, and I will continue to pursue this with the State Government,' he said at the Tunai Rahmah Cash Assistance Program in Kg Long Pasia, Tuesday. Also present was Datuk Ramlee Kariah, Chief Operating Officer of the Sabah Maju Jaya Secretariat. Dr Yusof, who is also Chairman of Qhazanah Sabah Berhad, listed the affected villages as Pakiak, Sungai Kanggalan, Motokop, Ulu Babatan Pangi, Basio Anampul Nanahas, Simbuan, Sungai Lukutan, Lamparion, Batu Nundok, and Komadang. He hoped areas along this route would be opened up, especially for the younger generation who do not yet own land, to engage in agricultural activities. According to him, this decision by the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-Pakatan Harapan Plus state government demonstrates that the voices and needs of the people are being prioritised for their well-being. Dr Yusof also announced the approval of three projects to benefit residents of Kg Long Pasia namely the construction of a concrete drainage system around the Long Pasia open hall, upgrading of the Long Pasia Open Hall, and building a new bridge for Kg Long Pasia. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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